Wings Review

Mar 20, 2016

Tuesday March 15th Aberdeen 1 @ Bismarck 2 (OT) – The Bismarck Bobcats moved back into a 1st place tie the Central Division thanks to a 2-1 home win in overtime on Tuesday night. It was a defensive battle from the get go and after a scoreless 1st period, in which both goalies had to make plenty of saves, the Wings grabbed the first lead of the game midway through the contest as Ethan Stewart scored his 4th goal of the season. In the final minute of the 2nd period, the Bobcats struck back as defenseman Cole Souto scored on the power play to tie the game at 1-1.  After a scoreless 3rd period, the game would end with just 1:11 remaining in overtime as a rush up the ice by Oskars Batna found rookie Nick Alexander on the back door for the game-winner for his 11th goal of the season. Rookie goalie Nick Althaus continued his hot play since entering the league a few weeks ago, making 22 saves in the win. Aberdeen goalie Gavin Paczosa also played well in the loss, making 31 saves. Boxscore

Friday March 18th Bismarck 3 @ Aberdeen 0 – Hunter Shepard stopped all 37 shots that came his way for his league-leading 7th shutout of the season as the Bobcats picked up a big 3-0 road win in Aberdeen to complete a perfect 12 for 12 record against the Wings this season. The Bobcats would get on the board midway through the 1st period thanks to a goal from Jared Pike. The lead increased to 2-0 early in the 2nd period as Travis Wood scored on the power play. One of Shepard’s 37 saves came :24 seconds later on a penalty shot by Tucker DeYoung. Harrison Aide added a 3rd period goal to complete the scoring. Peter Thome made 35 saves in the loss. Boxscore

With Saturday off the Minnesota Magicians and Brookings Blizzard had opportunities to close the gap on the Wings for the 4th and final playoff spot.  Both teams picked up big road wins Friday night with the Magicians winning 5-3 in Minot and Brookings getting a 3-1 win in Austin.  The Magicians were unable to take advantage of the Wings off day falling to Minot 3-2.  Brookings however would take advantage and move to within 3 points of the Wings.  Minnesota remains 2 points back.  With only 6 games remaining every point is crucial.  Aberdeen will be back at the Odde this Friday and Saturday night to host Austin.  The following weekend they will have a home and home series vs Brookings, then close out the season at Austin.  Minnesota also has 6 games remaining, they will play this Thursday vs Austin then Saturday vs Coulee Region.  They close out the final 2 weeks with home and home weekends vs Bismarck.  Brookings will travel to Bismarck before the series vs the Wings before closing out the season at home vs Minot. 

This Saturday night we will be recognizing the Billet families after warm ups.  Saturday night will also be the annual jersey auction.  This year we will be auctioning off the red jerseys!  All weekend we will be celebrating parents weekend.  Inviting all player parents to the Odde to celebrate with the best fans in the NAHL!